Bystanaders

 

Painting by Tokiwa Mitsunago   12th Century

Bystanders

An ancient Jew
Auschwitz survivor
on TV last night
admonished
“Do not be a bystander.”
Profound advice
the only requisite
unbridled willingness
to have your ass kicked
take the risk
potential sacrifice of bone, or home . . . employment.
Sad truth is
in the long run
almost all of us
are bystanders.


Bruce Louis Dodson 2015